2013

Donovan National Bank

Tara Field, Human
Resources Director

[PRELININARY REPORT OF
DRESS CODE STUDY]
The current dress code is fulfilling the company philosophy to provide a comfortable work
environment and to project a positive corporate image. Professional development is
recommended in selected areas.


1
Preliminary Report of Dress Code Study
The Donovan National Bank Dress Code
1
outlines our companys philosophy to allow employees to work
comfortably and project a professional image to our publics within and outside the workplace. Although
business casual is a term used by companies when describing business dress that is comfortable and
professional, our employees still have difficulty in interpreting the dress code as intended by the current
dress code policy. This report outlines the current findings of our employees adherence to the dress
code and recommendations for improvement.
Findings
According to company policy, a study of current practices related to the company dress code was
authorized on February 15, 2011. The study began on Monday, March 1
st
, and was concluded on Friday,
March 26
th
, which covered four full weeks. Observations were gathered from one hundred employees.
General finding showed that approximately 89% of all employees do follow the dress code as intended
by the Executive Council. Males adhered to the policy 85% of the time while females adhered 75% of the
time, indicating perhaps a need for more details in the female section of the dress code. Printed copies
of the final report will be distributed on April 15
th
and findings presented at a meeting of the Executive
Council.
Table 1 shows a cross tabulation of men and women who adhered to the policy and who did not follow
the policy and their corresponding percentage of any absenteeism and tardiness during that period.
Table 1
Comparison of Adherence to Dress Code Policy and Absenteeism and Tardiness
Absenteeism Tardiness
Male Female Male Female
Adhered to Policy 2% 2% 1% 0%
Did not adhere to policy 25% 30% 12% 10%
The findings clearly verify our review of the business literature that employees who dress more
professionally are absent fewer days and are on time for work more often.
Recommendations
Although complete adherence to the dress code was not found, the findings of the study do show that
the compliance to our policy (89%) is much better than companies included in the NABASW Study.
However, because the findings in our company show a correlation between absenteeism and tardiness,
this subcommittee respectfully submits the following recommendations.

1
Policy #105-12 Dress Code, Adopted October 15, 2000, Revised January 1, 2010

1. Consider employing an image consultant to teach employees what is appropriate business
casual and to plan the best business attire to project the image of our company.
2. Prepare online materials that more clearly explain the areas of the dress code that appeared in
the study as violations.
In summary, the current dress code is fulfilling the company philosophy to provide a comfortable work
environment and to project a positive corporate image. Professional development is recommended in
selected areas.